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Cultivating calm: Zen gardens bring peace home
While any chance to work with plants can boost one’s mood, Zen gardening is a garden style specifically designed to reduce stress and foster creativity.
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Adding value, strengthening farms
For farm families navigating a complicated economic landscape and wondering how to bring the next generation into the business in a way that makes financial sense, value-added agriculture can be a practical solution to these challenges.
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Get better hay, better returns with small changes
Hay quality has a direct impact on livestock performance and feeding costs, yet many producers lose value long before hay reaches the feeder, says University of Missouri Extension field agronomist Rudra Baral. The good news: Most quality losses are tied to management decisions that producers can control.
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Regional hay school set for April 22 in Mount Vernon
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – Southwestern Missouri hay producers can learn how to improve their haymaking skills at a regional school in Mount Vernon on April 22. The program is offered by University of Missouri Extension in Lawrence County in cooperation with FCS Financial, MFA Bulk Fertilizer Plant in Mount Vernon and Nixa Hardware & Seed Co.
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Alpha-gal syndrome gives new urgency to tick prevention
As temperatures rise and people begin camping, fishing and farming, it’s more important than ever to be aware of the health dangers posed by ticks, says University of Missouri and Lincoln University Extension urban entomologist Emily Althoff.
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Meeting to address stocker cattle management, risk protection
MU Extension, in collaboration with the Vernon County Cattlemen’s Association and FCS Financial, will host a Stocker Cattle Risk Management Workshop 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at Vernon County Fairgrounds’ Centennial Hall, 1641 E. Ashland St., Nevada.
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Missouri’s health challenges reflect larger systems
Missouri’s health gaps aren’t just about clinics and hospitals. Where people live, work and connect shapes access to food, transportation, housing and care. Strengthening these systems can make healthier choices easier and improve health outcomes statewide.
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Expand the herd with the right replacement heifers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Most beef cattle operations in Missouri develop and breed their own heifers rather than purchase bred replacements. Because replacement females represent one of the largest costs in producing a calf, choosing and managing the right ones is critical for long-term herd success.
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Clover Classic Golf Tournament set for June 2
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Registration is open for the 16th Annual Clover Classic Golf Tournament, set for June 2, at the Gustin Golf Course in Columbia. The event supports Missouri 4-H, University of Missouri Extension’s youth development program.
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MU Extension updates custom rates for Missouri farm services
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension has updated its Custom Rates for Farm Services in Missouri guide, which provides current estimates of charges and payments for common custom farming activities across the state.
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Celebrating service to Missouri during National Volunteer Month
Whether through local organizations or simple acts of neighboring, volunteering creates connection, purpose and stronger communities across Missouri.
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Missouri 4-H State Rabbit Day
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri 4-H welcomed 30 youths and their families on March 21 to its annual State Rabbit Day. The event, hosted by Melissa Stong of Bates County and Kelsey Fuller, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H educator, gave families the chance to learn more about the rabbit industry through judging contests and educational sessions.
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Helping kids manage stress
MU researchers have learned that when stress creates more tension or conflict at home, children are more likely to show signs like anxiety, pulling away or acting out. But they also found one skill that reliably helps protect kids from these challenges: self‑regulation.
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Plant a garden and believe in tomorrow
National Garden Month is observed in April, when gardeners are impatiently waiting to exercise their green thumbs, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein, who explains some of the benefits of planting a garden.
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Missouri 4-H State Poultry Day
Missouri 4-H hosted its annual State Poultry Day on March 22 at the University of Missouri Animal Science Research Center. Fifty 4-H members gathered to participate in a variety of contests and educational activities focused on the poultry industry.
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Show-Me-Select sale set for May 15 at Joplin Regional Stockyards
The southwestern Missouri spring Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer sale is 7 p.m. Friday, May 15, at Joplin Regional Stockyards, 10131 Cimarron Road, Carthage.
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Missouri Master Gardeners boost state's economy
In 2025, more than 2,000 volunteers in Missouri's Extension Master Gardener program contributed nearly 150,000 hours of service valued at over $5 million.
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Plant these 'Fab 4' for flowers galore
Jump-start your spring garden by starting four easy, inexpensive tender bulbs indoors before the weather warms. MU Extension horticulturist David Trinklein suggests tuberous begonia, caladium, achimenes and calla lily. All are available in bulb or tuber form from retail outlets that feature plants.
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Why you shouldn’t try to get 'one more calf' out of past-prime cows
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Beef cow slaughter declined 19% in 2024 and another 17% in 2025 as producers held on to cows past their prime to get “just one more calf” from them, says University of Missouri Extension ag business specialist Wesley Tucker.
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Bull management for breeding success
What's a bull worth? What is that future calf crop worth? Davis advises cattle producers to implement effective management practices for bulls as they transition out of the breeding pasture and prepare for future breeding seasons to safeguard their investment.
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Missouri 4-H Clover Clays Charity Shoot raises more than $25K
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The fourth annual Missouri 4-H Clover Clays Charity Shoot raised more than $25,000 to support the Missouri 4-H Shooting Sports program March 16 at the Prairie Grove Shooting Sports Complex. The event brought together teams and sponsors from across the state for a day of competition, camaraderie and philanthropy, said Rachel Augustine, director of the Missouri 4-H Foundation.
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Managing potassium and phosphorus when prices are high
When high fertilizer prices shock the system, farmers often ask if they can delay their P and K applications until next year, when prices may be lower. The quick answer is yes – if your soil test levels are near recommended levels, says University of Missouri Extension state nutrient management specialist John Lory.
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Global speaker series celebrates International Year of the Woman Farmer
University of Missouri Extension’s Pearls of Production program will host a free global speaker series in 2026 in recognition of the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The series will feature women agricultural leaders from around the world.
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Sedum: A durable, perennial pollinator
This drought-resistant succulent blooms after most garden flowers have faded. A favorite among gardeners, sedums are recognized for their durability, drought tolerance and ability to thrive in even the most challenging environments.
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Spring color bursts with 'crown jewel' pollinator
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The National Garden Bureau has selected azalea as its 2026 shrub of the year. Renowned for their colorful seasonal displays, azaleas are becoming the crown jewel in landscapes nearly everywhere, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.